The Potential Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Cognitive Protection: A Literature Review

Author(s):

Abstract:

Dementia has become a major health concern for the aging population of the United States. Studies indicate that participation in moderate exercise, with training, has been shown to have a beneficial impact on cognition. Thus, exercise and its effects on cognitive function has become an important area of research. This review summarizes the current literature on the potential mechanisms of the benefits of exercise for cognitive function.

Keywords:

Cognitive function, dementia, exercise, BDNF, PGC-1α, IL-6.

Affiliation:

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA